Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

During which period does the human organism grow significantly in length from roughly 1 inch to about 20 inches?

1. Fetal.

2. Embryonic.

3. Germinal.

4. Conceptual.

The correct answer is: Fetal.

The correct answer identifies the fetal period, which is characterized by significant growth and development of the human organism. During this stage, which occurs from approximately 9 weeks after conception until birth, the fetus undergoes rapid physical growth and development. It is during this time that the organism grows from a mere inch to around 20 inches in length, as the structures and systems established in earlier developmental stages begin to expand and mature. In contrast, the embryonic stage, which occurs after fertilization and before the fetal period, primarily involves the initial formation of critical structures and organs, rather than substantial growth in length. The germinal period, which is the very first stage of human development, includes the initial cell division and implantation into the uterine wall, and does not involve significant growth in size. The term "conceptual" does not refer to a recognized stage of human development and is not applicable in this context, further distinguishing it from the fetal period where the most pronounced growth occurs.